DIY Clean Your Roof | Easy Step by Step Roof Cleaning Guide

Do you have dark streaks on roof or are the discolored with age? What about algae or moss? This video shows you exactly how to clean a roof with simple household items. This video will show you exactly how to do a roof wash DIY using household items.
If you need the best roof cleaning supplies, check out this article we wrote below.
digitalroofing...
Here's all the products you'll need to clean your roof. You can order all of them right from Amazon and for less than $100:
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Clorox - amzn.to/3gGufsC
Big Carry Spray Bottle - amzn.to/3gJ69NS
Soft Shop Broom - amzn.to/3gGOMNL
My go to ladder around residential homes is this Werner telescopic, multi-purpose ladder. Absolutely the best ladder for homeowners! amzn.to/3qPjFo3
Would you like a professional come out to and clean your roof? Since we can't come out, click here to get connected to a qualified contractor in your area! www.networx.co...
Since we can't come out and inspect your roof, here is a tool to reach QUALIFIED contractors for Roof Inspections - www.networx.co...
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you!

[@paytonluna7381]

This is very helpful. I was looking through tons of videos for this exact information: mixing ratios, how to do it, and what to use in the mix. Every other video was essential a very long ad for their course where it taught you what to do but the course was like $400! I watched this video to learn how to do it because I'm a college student who owns a pressure washing company and have to either be self taught or learn from KZbin so this is a great video. You just got a subscriber

[@techtalkabc]

This guy was fantastic. I love all the information. He hit every point I needed to know. And he's a veteran of the US military. These guys are always a step ahead of the rest. TY

[@tieskahmann1672]

yeah man, especially these navy guys they are absolute roof cleaning legends.

[@99Cv]

So to summarize: Wet down surrounding plants with water for protection/dilution. Manually sweep moss downward with appropriate broom. Spray solution over entire roof. Let rain storm wash/flush solution away. Repeat. Does this sound right?

[@deniseandadamedgeworth8021]

Perfect Thanks for this. Question....if no rain schedule can you do.a light spray to get rid of the chemicals. If so how long do you wait for the solution to soak in?

[@travelingmindful]

Thanks man, I’m in the PNW and going to give this a try. Great video.

[@rosagaby6338]

Hi from the tip of TEXAS and MEXICO! I am about to put house for sale and will clean my roof myself. I had someone doing it every 2-3 years but since pandemic, I have no one. I think I can do this. I would have never thought about the solution to pollution is dilution HA!!! Thank you for your tips and wish me luck

[@DigitalRoofingInnovations]

Good luck Rosa!

[@sandycharlton8669]

Awesome video bro I just had a customer call me up and they want their roof cleaned and treated and now I know how cuz I watched a 10 minute video. Thanks

[@darryldickson4360]

Bro? Wtf

[@northwesttravels7234]

Safety glasses a must.

[@alexandrowischneski1868]

Very good! Thanks for the video! Greetings from São Bento do Sul - Santa Catarina - Brasil.

[@DerekTJ]

That name is a Scrabble winner.

[@b4t0g]

Simple and easy to follow. Thank you!

[@DigitalRoofingInnovations]

You are very welcome!

[@dannydisla93]

Very good and informative video, many blessings!!!

[@DigitalRoofingInnovations]

Thank you! You too!

[@louisthompson8642]

Try 1percent H2O2 but not on a very old roof. If you do this you should follow it up with rinsing your roof with water. Again use as little water pressure as possible, do NOT let the chemical set on your roof any longer than necessary, and always be careful on your roof.

[@louisthompson8642]

For mildew not moss

[@jandoinc]

Thanks for all the tips!

[@DigitalRoofingInnovations]

You bet!

[@softwashscience]

ok so a few things I'll say is great video production and audio very well done. I just want to say that sweeping a roof is not a great idea and really never recommended especially with a hard bristle broom. Second is that the moss ushually roots into the shingle and if it doesn't come off with a leaf blower then it should be left and sprayed. when sprayed the moss will die and become brittle then release gently in 30-60 days and be gone for several years. the last thing I want to add is that dawn and bleach when mixed react and let off a harmful gas. Your obviously outside so the gas may not bother you so whatever but dawn is formulated to break down petroleum based products and it will dry stuff out. spaying dawn on an asphalt petroleum shingle will do slow long term damage to the roof. Maybe do a video with a local soft wash pro I bet it will get lots of views as roof cleaning is cool to watch.

[@DigitalRoofingInnovations]

Thank you for the comment and great information!

[@bigbendwashprosllc5933]

Agreed!! dont use dish soap as its a degreaser and can damage the shingles. us professionals use a industry specific surfactant but results can be replicated with gain or other liquid laundry detergent. In order to obtain a effective clean for dirtier roofs, i reccomend at least a 5% strength of sodium hypochlorite (bleach). regular household bleach is typically 5% and pool chlorine is usually comes in 10-12%. a good misting is normally enough for most roofs, our rule of thumb is if its brown wash it down, if its black give it another wack

[@DigitalRoofingInnovations]

@@bigbendwashprosllc5933 Thanks for the feedback!

[@dameronlyon6740]

I use cheap laundry detergent or for roofs there is a product called roof snot that's pink so u can see it going on.Instead of brushing I treat then from a ladder start at top and rinse down with a simple water hose and handle.

[@sailingokaliptus]

@@bigbendwashprosllc5933 We have a large hip 10/12 and 12/12 roof with lower pitched slopes at front and rear where we can stand and spray up to the ridges. What mix would you use and how much of each? How long after we spray each slope do we wait to hose it down with water? Should we do it on a cloudy day then? We are in SC and it's very hot right now. Thanks for any info you can provide!

[@evangelistaalbertomercedes7905]

Great explanation, I bought the 2 gallons roundup sprayer and 1 gallon of Sodium Hypochlorite. Do you know how much sodium Hypochlorite should I put with the 2 gallons of water to do jus half of my 1,500 square feet house roof?

[@stevekeller8876]

awesome. Thanks for shooting this.

[@littleeddie133]

Liquid pool shock 12.5% only, mix 1 gallon to 2 gallon water and 4 oz of dish soap. Spray on let set 20 minutes or so then rinse off.Water down all plants first as this will kill vegetation

[@DigitalRoofingInnovations]

Solid advice!

[@dolaward]

Will that help with black marks on shingles?

[@littleeddie133]

@@dolaward yes that is exactly what this is for

[@khalidagha537]

Do we wash it at the end or just let the bleach remain on it? Please dont get me wrong I really need help

[@littleeddie133]

@@khalidagha537 Wash it off

[@mariowajrak3868]

Would you use something like moss out in conjunction with a copper strip to get rid of moss? Afterwards use the water and bleach mixture to make it all look good

[@joespencer2732]

Thanks! Down here in Pensacola, mold is the enemy. My roof is going on 7 and it is black where the tree (gone now due to hurricane) kept the sun off it. So once I do it, it should be good for awhile.

[@DigitalRoofingInnovations]

Good luck!

[@joespencer2732]

@@DigitalRoofingInnovations got it done using this process. Looks like new! Thanks again!

[@monkfry]

This sounds like solid advice. Why does everyone always say to Never use bleach on your roof and Not to sweep it with a push broom? Also Chloromax is 7.5%. Is that strong enough? I’m Prepping my roof today. I hope you see this and can answer. Either way Thank You!!, 1 for putting your ass on the line for U.S. 🫡 and 2 for being free with sharing experienced info and posting straight forward content.

[@yawattahnivag6947]

Is your technique safe to use in a metal roof? Obviously taking extra care to prevent slips and falls but I’m looking for a safe effective method that’s not too harsh on the finish.

[@housewashjosh5910]

Yes, it is. Just make sure it's an overcast day or do small sections at a time and rinse before it can dry. The mix can cause flash oxidation on painted metal roofs in sunny conditions. Most pump sprayers can reach the average roof peak from standing near the top of the ladder. Just make sure you keep it wet and rinse it.

[@mjahandyman6390]

This was helpful, Thank you!

[@eaglerg14]

For anyone who wants it done by a professional, it’s also called soft washing.

[@kevinblack8512]

How long does the zinc strip last before it needs to be replaced?

[@DigitalRoofingInnovations]

Over 20 years I would think

[@kshitijpancholi5594]

Thanks for the video. So i have to do this after every rain? Or does the bleach stays on the roof for the year? Another things, when to apply yhe bleach? During afternoon or morning or evening?

[@MrJaloa76]

Great video …can I use the water hose to rise the química? Thx

[@sgtbill1365]

Great video!!

[@tylerharper579]

Is it best to do it in the morning or evening? and do you do it while the sun is out?

[@ewaschenko]

Would the solution also remove lichen?

[@bobreichel]

So, can you use a power washer to shoot chemicals up on the roof? Meaning, not power washing the roof just for shooting the chemicals up on it from the ground.

[@kileyhellens7206]

You are the man 👍👍

[@MrNeisonpromise]

Won't the bleach discolour the shingles and damage it? Please let me know. And can we use Clorox? I don't have a lot of moss but it started showing up slowly on my new roof. Please answer my questions. Thank you

[@lchaney22]

Yes, it will. I just tried two applications on my asphalt roof and it actually looks worse than when I started. Rather than removing the stains, it turned my shingles black and orange.

[@teak5476]

No. With regular shingles, it will temporarily show some discoloration. This is the gleocapsa-magma and any organic growth dying. Within a few rains, it will look great.

[@al70127]

I've been reading that it's better to use oxygen bleach like oxi clean instead of conventional sodium hypochlorite bleach.

[@clarkriccobuono3903]

Good video , thank you

[@richardconte2242]

Thanks for the tip. Question, wouldn’t the dish detergent create an issue with footing if you are up on the roof? Are you wearing any particular type of shoes?

[@jeffpca3927]

Is a regular shoes , roofs are made with a very gritty layer on top that makes it non skid , that's why it gets so duty

[@doomcosmetics449]

Thanks for the video.

[@slydog7131]

How about the zinc moss strips instead of copper.

[@chrismc1571]

Good info. Thanks.

[@DigitalRoofingInnovations]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Winergy777]

Great Video! Thank you!

[@blackgravitycinema]

How about if it doesn't rain where you live? Can you use a hose?

[@jessicagarland9142]

Congratulation !! Awesome

[@DigitalRoofingInnovations]

Well, thanks Jessica! Hope the video was helpful to you! If you enjoy our content, please give us a subscribe!

[@BaconPowderful]

Viscosity? DAWN and other detergents contain surfactants … chemical compounds that decrease the surface tension or interfacial tension between two liquids, a liquid and a gas, or a liquid and a solid. They consist of a water-repellent and a water-attracting part, they enable water and oil to mix; they can form foam and facilitate the detachment of dirt. Typically such surfactants would DECREASE the viscosity of water solutions, not increase viscosity as is claimed here.

[@robertopena8330]

should i rinse the bleach off the ceiling after applying it?

[@evrimicoz8358]

What kind of shoes do you use? Silly question but I do not wan to slip lol

[@TylerSmith-xh4rk]

What if there is no rain in the forecast? Should I rinse the roof with a hose ?

[@DigitalRoofingInnovations]

Tyler, absolutely. You don’t want to leave that up there long term. We can’t stress enough about safety and making sure you are using a low pressure rinse 🚿

[@DigitalRoofingInnovations]

And thank you, that was a great question!

[@alexgilbreath8406]

@@DigitalRoofingInnovations how long should it sit on there before rinsing off with water if there are no storms in the forecast?

[@GDFred88]

What do you suggest for the zinc stripping? How wide does it need to be? Where does one find it? Thanks.

[@Roofingportland]

hi I usually remove the moss with a brush and blow the ceiling and clean the gutters and put moss kiler powder on top .. .. to do your step I would have to first do everything I usually do skipping the step of applying the powder and then apply the soft wash method?

[@DigitalRoofingInnovations]

Thanks for the question. If this has worked for you in the past, don't stop! There's more than one way to get the job done. Are you trying to remove streaks too?

[@JaredLET21]

What if it doesn’t rain…do I rinse with hose?

[@stephenwamala1572]

Am Steven from Uganda which chemicals do you use because I want to start

[@DigitalRoofingInnovations]

Just the simple ingredients I recommend in the video. Thanks for the comment and hello from the USA!

[@shfashfa]

If you have gutters, why spray water all around the house?

[@mrinspector2206]

good vid, but how do i do this on a very steep pitch roof without getting on the roof? Dont think a pump up sprayer can reach far enough up there

[@DigitalRoofingInnovations]

I would hire a professional then!

[@PNWTraveler]

Use a pressure washer with a downstream connection to soft wash your roof. Get a 5 Gal bucket from home depot or lowes fill with water, bleach and surfactant then spray your roof and wait for the rain to wash it away. No need to get on the roof or call a so called "professional". Also Do NOT sweep your roof that is a terrible idea and is bad for the shingles.

[@brianharris5306]

About how far ahead of a rain storm should this be done ??

[@DigitalRoofingInnovations]

I would do it at least 12 hours before!

[@Stephen_T_Stephan]

Is this the same recommended process for a metal roof?

[@DigitalRoofingInnovations]

I would suggest that and maybe some simple green!

[@nicholascarr1574]

9:55 Not only should you do that but I also put a bit of sealant where I will be hammering the nail into the roof so that it creates more of a seal between the nail and wood. Probably overly cautious but I've never heard of any leaking from my clients so I'm going to keep doing that.

[@nicholascarr1574]

Great video!

[@michaelgoedeker9697]

My roof could certainly use a good cleaning. Does anyone know if this hurts your chances for insurance coverage?

[@sethburkhart1021]

In fact I’m researching this BECAUSE insurance is dropping me because my roof discoloration is considered by Farmer’s Insurance to be a state of disrepair. Probably because at some point it indicates moss and molds are eating away at your roof increasing the chance of damage to the home. So if done properly I’d say this protects you from being uninsurable. Look into it further though by calling an agent. I’m no expert. 😊

[@fitlyfe4138]

How do you handle a customer lead that DOESNT want you on their roof And it’s a two story tile roof?

[@dylandodd2103]

Take control of the customer. You’re the pro not them. If they want it done. You do it your way.

[@BT-xv2lr]

Don't take the job

[@payback601]

Wait so I have a question about rinsing or not rinse

[@DigitalRoofingInnovations]

Sure, what's the question?

[@yodaddy4944]

As an Oregon roof moss removal company owner I am here to say that you CANNOT AND WILL NOT be able to remove all the moss off the roof with a broom/brush without taking off a ton of rock or spending multiple days scraping it off by hand. Simply kill it with the bleach and then sweep/blow it off when it’s dead and barely hanging on

[@jmoss99]

Does anyone know if this treatment work for lichen too? I did a test using the Outdoor Clorox product at 1/2 Gal Water to 1 Gal Clorox. Outdoor Clorox product at 100% I was told is 8.5% on one side of the roof two days ago. Most of the moss died, but the lichen don't seem to have been effected. I mean, it is hard to tell if lichen is alive or dead actually. It looks like the Outdoor Clorox product leaves a film like an oil or something. Jim

[@saeedsarkhot1028]

Hey Jim! The bleach that you want to be using is pure bleach. I’m not sure if Clorox is entirely bleach. However, if you run down to you local pool supply store and pick up the pool chlorine, which is pure 12.5% sodium hypochlorite, or more commonly known as bleach. This concentration should then be diluted down to 4-6% depending on the severity of the roof. After diluting it down to the appropriate concentration, you should follow the steps Brian outlined in the video. Doing so should get you the results you want. Keep in mind that it takes 6 - 12 weeks to results the roof cleaning process to complete.

[@jmoss99]

Thanks!

[@nelsonchristopher7872]

Jim, Saeed is correct. You will not get the desired results using household bleach which is generally available in strength concentrations of 4-6% sodium hypochlorite. To achieve the results you are looking for, a higher concentration of sodium hypochlorite in the bleach will be needed, usually a concentration of 10 - 12.5% will be required. You can usually find this at your local pool supply in 12.5% strength. If for some reason you cannot find it at a pool supply locally, an option would be to buy the liquid pool chlorine that Walmart sells in gallon jugs for around $4.00 per gallon. It comes in a 10% SH concentration and will work as well. Bear in mind that when Saeed mentioned mixing the bleach at a 4-6% concentration, that he meant that you would use 40-60% bleach to a 60 to 40% water mix ratio. Remember to thoroughly saturate, not just mist any vegetation around the immediate work area including grass, and rinse vegetation again after mix is applied to remove any overspray. Also something that no one has talked about here is safety. This mix is highly toxic at this strength, and can burn or damage your skin, eyes, and respiratory track. It can also cause you to feel dizzy or light headed when inhaled, and you could possibly pass out from breathing the fumes in high enough concentrations. This is not a good if you are walking on a roof! Be sure, if you choose to take this on, that you use appropriate protective clothing, goggles, chemical resistant gloves, and a respirator, or other appropriate mask certified to filter out organic vapors, and ALWAYS have someone on the ground to assist you in case you have an accident. Otherwise, I would leave this up to the professionals who do this every day, have the proper safety equipment, experience, and are fully insured in the event your roof is damaged, or if God forbid, there is an accident. Hope this helps.

[@jmoss99]

Shee... I posted this a year ago. I use pool chlorine here for my well water. I used that. thanks!

[@LeFraudHasChokedInSIXFinals]

Thanks, but I'd rather take my chances with moss than put nail holes in my roof to attach a zinc strip.

[@stevedavies1261]

Hmmm, guy walks past a garden hose while "preparation watering" his lawn with a 2 gallon sprayer... Anyone else find that just a tad ridiculous...

[@v33draft]

I thought it was just me, you're so right

[@BT-xv2lr]

I said the same thing...lol

[@strangeadv4977]

Just cause I got far enough to look at comments 👏

[@sethburkhart1021]

He did mention that a hose was also a good option. It’s just a demonstration…

[@johnmiller1721]

Also he said not to saturate the roof.

[@joseemigdiocastro4966]

Will the bleach damage my aluminum gutter?

[@jmoss99]

The squirrels will as they sharpen their teeth. Drive you crazy too. Better use a mixture of pepper and water to keep them away.

[@DigitalRoofingInnovations]

Many asked what the best products are to clean the roof, so I wrote you an article here about the best cleaning supplies for your roof - digitalroofingcompany.com/blog/best-roof-cleaner/

[@bobkucharski9425]

Spray and Forget or Wet and Forget. Both products work well and are much easier to apply. They come in a bottle that attaches to your hose, so your done in less than an hour for a single family home.

[@troy4219]

You're not supposed to mix dawn dish soap and bleach

[@robertschwartz4957]

No, you're not so supposed to mix AMMONIA and bleach.

[@littleeddie133]

Dawn does not contain ammonia so it is safe to mix

[@6wms]

It literally says in the bottle of dawn not to mix with bleach. Ammonia isn't the only chemical that cannot beixed with chlorine.

[@Transformers1983jd]

Really loud audio at the beginning and really low.in the other parts.

[@dp8262]

Nice clean roof..but your driveway is filthy 🤔😆

[@TheLonewolfottawa]

some dish soap has warning not to mic it will make mustard gas hello

[@gregorysampson8759]

Gaaaa dang how bout clean that driveway!!! The zinc strips SUCK they do mot hold up.

[@zena11111]

9:47 haven’t really showed us anything this whole video besides using your sprayer. And I have a flat roof

[@leesire]

Didn’t work for me. Darn...

[@littleeddie133]

Sorry but there are other videos with better options

[@antoniiocaluso1071]

TERRIFIC storytelling & info! tanx! sub'd/lkd

[@patriciaterranova1074]

First of all , video should have had you wearing eye protection since the Pool Chemical is almost double the strength of household chlorine bleach, Clorox. Another issue is a huge no-no with the use of a stiff broom, you’re likely to remove stone- covering of the shingles which reduces the life of the roof. Using the surfactant was a good idea, so maybe you should think about redoing the video because it’s misleading specifically about your licensing which probably doesn’t include moss removal services or certifications. Sorry.

[@mediocre923]

Pump spraying a roof must take hours

[@bobkucharski9425]

I've used Spray and Forget Max, it comes in a bottle that attaches to your hose. It takes a few minutes to apply and your done. Much easier, no mixing, no pumping, and just let it sit and it works.

[@bossaddict08]

You look like that one dude

[@cece3194]

Too much chit chat. Get on with it. Time is precious.

[@KCPOA]

I think he’s gotta make the video at least 10 minutes long to be able to make a profit

[@PNWTraveler]

Use a pressure washer with a downstream connection to soft wash your roof. Get a 5 Gal bucket from home depot or lowes fill with water, bleach and surfactant then spray your roof and wait for the rain to wash it away. No need to get on the roof or call a so called "professional". Also Do NOT sweep your roof that is a terrible idea and is bad for the shingles.

[@MrDarrinSmith]

This will NOT be strong enough solution. A downstream injector will only give you like 3/4 to 1 and a half percent using 12 and a half percent bleach. I guess if he had his shooter tip to get it to the top of the roof another Rundown once a week for about six weeks might do something who knows. Need a minimum of 4% I normally use 6%. Walmart has pool Essentials 10% which is 10% bleach. 1 gallon pool Essentials 1 gallon water and a little bit of your choice of soap should work great. That's what I started with years ago.

[@ezinafauda4394]

Very handsome. Are you single? LOL Clean my house for me?

[@DoyouReally-r9o]

I just wanted to say your audio was obnoxiously loud. automatically earned you this comment and a thumbs down. I know why I clicked on this video. And i know why I am clicking away from it. Good for you to earn this 1 comment I suppose.

[@behnam1336]

you talk too much

[@DigitalRoofingInnovations]

It's a video explaining how to clean shingles. What else am I supposed to do?

[@danielmitchell4196]

Well damn son lol 😂

[@mediocre923]

Would you prefer he use sign language for you?

[@akbychoice]

Your sentence is too long.

[@whoDatBeDare]

I not even going to bother responding to such a ridiculous statement.